The Hoppings

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The Hoppings is said to be Europe's largest travelling fun fair and is held on the Town Moor in Newcastle upon Tyne during the last week in June.

Several origins have been suggested for the name. Most relate to dancing, the word hopping meaning a dance in Middle English. (Old fairs included dancing.)

The fair began as a Temperance Fair in 1882. It was scheduled to coincide with Race Week at Newcastle Racecourse, during which the Northumberland Plate was awarded.

The fair originally took place at Jesmond Dene before moving to the more spacious Town Moor, just north of the city centre.